System for providing immediate assistance in an electronic trading system

Abstract

In a system and method for providing immediate assistance to a user of a computer-based system such as an asset trading system, the system provides an object such as a button for a user to select or activate while using the system. Once the object is selected, the system initiates contact between a representative of the system and the user by utilizing stored contact information provided by the user during registration.

1 . A method for initiating contact between a user of an asset trading system and an agent of the system, the method comprising:
 receiving user profile information from the user;   providing a user with access to the asset trading system;   receiving a request from the user via an object, wherein the object enables communication between the user and the agent of the system;   generating a message including the user profile information in response to the request;   transmitting the message to at least one agent of the system.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the object is displayed on the user's computer screen. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the object is displayed in the form of a “Call Me” button. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the object further displays a menu of items and wherein the items are selectable by the user. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the message includes an item selected by the user. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the message is sent to a predetermined agent based on an item selected by the user. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the object is expandable. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the object is expandable. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the object includes a drop down screen. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the object further includes a text box which allows a user to input information into the box. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the message includes the information. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the message is sent to a predetermined agent based on the information. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the information is a text string. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message further includes a picture of a screen displayed to the user. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the screen included in the message is the screen displayed to the user at the time the request is received from the user. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message further includes information concerning a portfolio of the user. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message further includes a log of the user's recent transactions. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message further includes an object which activates an automated process that connects the agent to the user. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein selection of the object by the agent activates the automated process. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message is sent in the form of an e-mail. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message is sent in the form of a text message. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message is sent in the form of an instant message. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message is sent in the form of an audio connection. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the audio connection is accomplished via a POTS connection. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the audio-connection is accomplished via a VoIP connection. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the connection is accomplished via an audio connection. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the audio connection is accomplished via a POTS connection. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the audio connection is accomplished via a VoIP connection. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the connection provides the agent with access to the user's display. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the access by the agent includes control of the user's input device. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the connection provides the agent with access to the user's display and provides an audio connection to the user.